O’Neal on whether Cavaliers vs. Warriors is a potential NBA Finals preview: “A lot of people say, ‘W e’re only concentrating on our conference,’ but I guarantee you the Cavs are looking at what Golden State is doing. They realize they could play this team in The Finals. One team tonight is going to play to send a message to the other. I’m going to be looking for the intensity from both teams.”

Smith on Warriors point guard Stephen Curry as an MVP candidate: “Right now, Stephen Curry is the MVP. He has the longevity, but there is a guy coming like a bullet named Russell Westbrook.”

Barkley on Curry: “I love Stephen Curry, but he’s not the MVP. The MVP is [Rockets guard] James Harden.”

Barkley on the Cleveland Cavaliers: “I think the Cavaliers are the team to beat now…because of the Derrick Rose injury, the Cavs are the front-runner in the Eastern Conference.”

Smith on the Cavaliers-Warriors matchup: “This is going to be the true test. We’ll see if they are the best team in the East. This is a litmus test game. This is one of the games that you look at on our schedule and say, ‘We are championship contenders,’ or this is when you make substitutions and changes because you aren’t good enough yet. This is a real statement game for both teams.”

Webber on Warriors forward Draymond Green: “The heart and soul of this team is Draymond Green. He is their best defender and their toughest guy. Having him on the floor is great for the Warriors.”

Webber on Warriors center Andrew Bogut: “Bogut may be one of the best passers in the NBA. He loves to pass and gets everyone involved.”

Webber on All-Star point guards Stephen Curry and Kyrie Irving: “You love seeing two point guards with so many skill sets, that get their teammates involved and don’t just play super hero ball. It’s a pleasure to watch.”

Webber on head coach Steve Kerr’s eighth technical foul of the season: “That’s just him putting his imprint on his team.”

Webber on Warriors sharpshooters Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson: “I know these are the Splash Brothers, but they can score in the intermediate area, they can score with layups and they play defense. It’s not just a three-point scoring team. You can tell by the effort of this team against the Cavaliers.”

Webber on Cavaliers forward LeBron James: “He is so strong, he can’t be stopped inside and his vision is wonderful.”

Webber on James as an MVP candidate: “This is what’s scary for the rest of the NBA; while we have all of those other MVP candidates out there, they still better remember who the man is. When he is coming out this aggressively in games, like he will the rest of the season, he is tough to guard.”

Webber on the Cavaliers in the second half of the NBA season: “This team is getting their mojo back.”

Webber on Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving: “[Warriors point guard] Stephen Curry is the best ball handler of any shooter in the NBA, but Kyrie Irving is the best ball handler in the game…period.”

Webber on LeBron James: “I hope we never stop appreciating what he brings to the game. He brought the game back to a level where it was about the best player being part of a team, instead of the best player being the hero with his team just joining him. You have to love the way he gets his teammates involved. He loves to see them succeed.”

Webber on Cavaliers reserve power forward Tristan Thompson: “He gets the crowd involved as a role player for this team. He isn’t a starter, yet he is second in the league in total rebounds. When you have an energy guy coming in, whether in the playoffs or regular season, and they do their jobs like Thompson does, it helps so much. Not only do you get extra possessions, he gives extra energy to the crowd. It also pumps the players up.”

Webber on the rhythm of LeBron James in the second half: “When he starts off bullying, going to the paint, getting shots that he loves and getting his players involved, he seems to open up in the second half because he already has a great rhythm. Those shots are easy for him to knock down.”

Miller on the dominant performance of Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook after the All-Star break: “To show leadership is one thing, but the dominance he has shown in the month of February, averaging almost a triple double with Kevin Durant out and a quarter of his roster new from the trades. There is a reason why he’s in the MVP discussion.”

Webber on the Thunder’s acquisition of center Enes Kanter before the trade deadline: “It was a great pick up to get Kanter. Now you have two young centers [Kanter and Steven Adams] to use with your superstars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. You couldn’t tell [recently traded center] Kendrick Perkins to go down and get a bucket, he was more of a defensive guy. You can do that with Kanter.”

Miller on how the Thunder are building their franchise: “I love everything that is going on with the Thunder and their organization. The two words they always talk about are commitment and sacrifice. That’s how they want to build the base of their franchise. They are trying to build through players that are going to be molded to play the way the Thunder approach and play the game.”

Miller on Russell Westbrook: “Have we ever seen a point guard that can attack the lane like Russell Westbrook? Maybe Derrick Rose before his injury.”

Miller on Westbrook as an MVP candidate: “There are 25 games left. Let’s say the Thunder go 20-5, get 52 wins and up to that sixth seed. Is that enough for him to win MVP, if he’s still playing like this?”

Miller on Thunder guard D.J. Augustin: “This is a guy who understands his role and can knock down shots.”

Miller on Suns point guard Brandon Knight: “Brandon Knight is going to be a great addition to this team. Playing with [guard] Eric Bledsoe, he is going to be ball dominant. Even though he is a point guard, he is more of a scoring point guard. He can catch and shoot.”

Miller on the Suns recent trade of Goran Dragic to the Heat: “Dragic wanted to leave once the Suns signed [point guard] Isaiah Thomas. He felt a little threatened because of the competition, for whatever reason.”

Miller on the impressive rebounding of the Suns: “I am shocked how the smaller Phoenix Suns are beating up on the Thunder off the offensive glass. The Thunder are normally the best rebounding team in the NBA…and it’s not even close.”

Miller on the Suns lack of a closer: “Who is the closer for Phoenix? Who is the guy that you can just put the ball in his hands to get you a bucket?”

**** **** **** ****

Inside the NBA presented by Kia

Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith

Smith on Russell Westbrook taking 38 shots in the Thunder’s loss to the Suns: “Too much Russell. He is playing unbelievable basketball, but he took 38 shots tonight. No one else got into an offensive flow to help them win against Phoenix.”

Barkley on Westbrook: “You can be a good player, you can even be a really good player, but you can’t become a great player until you learn how to make the guys around you better. When you are as explosive as Russell Westbrook is, you can take 38 shots a night, because you can get a shot every time down the court. However, he should say, ‘I’m going to get Ibaka a shot, I’m going to get Kanter a shot, I’m going to get Dion Waiters a shot.’ Just because you can get a shot doesn’t mean you should take it every time. It will make it easier on him.”

Smith: “Westbrook abandoned the game plan tonight. What he needs to realize is when they lose, they should still lose a certain way. He really put himself in a position to lose. He didn’t put himself in a position to win.”

O’Neal: “This guy can really play, but he has to utilize his help some more. Every time Kevin Durant is out there, he utilizes Durant as help. Westbrook can get his when Durant is not out there, but he needs to utilize his talents to draw defenders so he can kick it out to his teammates.”

Barkley on the Cavaliers as a postseason team: “This is still basically a brand new team. Kevin Love, Kyrie Irving and Timofey Mozgov haven’t been deep in the playoffs. LeBron James is the best player in the world, and the addition of Mozgov changed the team. They went from a small team to a big team. Then Iman Shumpert and J.R. Smith gave them some athleticism around the perimeter. They are now the only team in the Eastern Conference that you would be afraid of [in the postseason].”

Smith on the Atlanta Hawks: “We thought it was a three-team race, but now two teams are clearly ahead. Toronto is still in the boat, but they don’t have as many paddles as Atlanta or Cleveland. The one thing we haven’t seen is Atlanta in duress, in a playoff situation, seven games, meeting the same person over 10 nights and the same person is Super Man, LeBron James.”

O’Neal on the Eastern Conference Finals: “I think it’s going to be Atlanta and Cleveland as the last two teams in the East.”

TNT is the exclusive home of extensive live NBA All-Star coverage including all of the marquee events from New York. Programming highlights include the BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge on Friday, Feb. 13; State Farm All-Star Saturday Night featuring the Degree Shooting Stars, Taco Bell Skills Challenge, Foot Locker Three-Point Contest and Sprite Slam Dunk on Saturday, Feb. 14; and the 2015 NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, Feb. 15.

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TNT NBA Tip-off presented by AutoTrader.com

Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith

Western Conference All-Star reserves:

James Harden

Houston Rockets

Klay Thompson

Golden State Warriors

Kevin Durant

Oklahoma City Thunder

Russell Westbrook

Oklahoma City Thunder

LaMarcus Aldridge

Tim Duncan

Chris Paul

Portland Trail Blazers

San Antonio Spurs

Los Angeles Clippers

Barkley on Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins being left off the Western Conference All-Star team: “DeMarcus Cousins deserved to make the All-Star team…the kid is a hell of a player.”

Barkley on Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard: “I have a serious problem with Damian Lillard not making this team. That’s really not fair. I love [Thunder forward] Kevin Durant, but he hasn’t played enough games. This isn’t a lifetime achievement award. Lillard is having a terrific year.”

Barkley on Thunder forward Kevin Durant making the All-Star team: “Kevin Durant is the second best player in the world, but he has not played enough games to be an All-Star.”

Smith on Durant: “We all know he’s an All-Star. He’s an MVP. However, there is validity to [basing All-Star selections] off of the amount of games they’ve played and the type of season they are having to this point. Damian Lillard and DeMarcus Cousins have played well enough in the games that they’ve played this season to be on this list. I believe in Kevin Durant, but 21 games isn’t enough.”

Barkley on the two Thunder players, Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant, making the All-Star team: “If the playoffs started today, the Thunder wouldn’t be in it…and they get two All-Stars? That’s not right.”

O’Neal on choosing All-Stars based on individual accomplishments: “All-Star is singular. [Kings center DeMarcus] Cousins is an All-Star, he’s playing like an All-Star, and like the best center in the league. His feelings are hurt and my feelings are hurt for him. He definitely got snubbed today.”

Smith on choosing between Western Conference point guards Damian Lillard and Chris Paul: “Damian Lillard is having a better year than Chris Paul. Lillard got snubbed when he was left off of the USA Men’s Basketball team, and now the All-Star team.”

Smith on Rockets center Dwight Howard missing the All-Star team for the first time in eight years: “It’s because of injuries. He’s been hurt, and hasn’t played enough games consistently to say he’s an All-Star. He is arguably one of the top two centers in the league. For the same reason we said ‘no Kevin Durant,’ they said ‘no Dwight Howard.’ Also, the Rockets won games while Howard wasn’t there.”

Eastern Conference All-Star reserves:

Kyrie Irving

Cleveland Cavaliers

Chris Bosh

Miami Heat

Jimmy Butler

Chicago Bulls

Al Horford

Atlanta Hawks

Paul Millsap

Jeff Teague

Dwyane Wade

Atlanta Hawks

Atlanta Hawks

Miami Heat

Smith on who was snubbed in the East: “The guys I feel for in the East are [Milwaukee Bucks point guard] Brandon Knight and [Atlanta Hawks shooting guard] Kyle Korver.”

Barkley on Heat veteran Dwyane Wade as an Eastern Conference All-Star: “Dwyane Wade shouldn’t have made the All-Star team. He is a Hall of Famer, but he didn’t deserve to be an All-Star this year. [Heat center Chris] Bosh has been the best player for Miami this year. Brandon Knight in Milwaukee, Brandon Jennings in Detroit or Kyle Korver in Atlanta should have been rewarded for having good seasons. This might be the only time Knight, Jennings or Korver have a chance to make the All-Star team. I always give the edge to guys who are winning. Dwyane Wade is not having an All-Star year.”

Barkley on why Hawks sharpshooter Kyle Korver deserves to be an All-Star: “I always give the edge to guys who are winning. I would fine guys who left him wide open if I coached a team. Even if you have to hold his hand, don’t leave him shoot.”

O’Neal on Wizards center Marcin Gortat: “I think Marcin Gortat got snubbed. I think he is having a wonderful year. Washington is playing very well, and he is a vital part of that.”

Barkley on naming veteran stars to the All-Star teams over players having better years: “We all know who used to be great, but you can’t keep rewarding guys for what they used to be.”

Barkley on whether Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving or Bucks point guard Brandon Knight deserved to be an All-Star more: “Kyrie is incredible. Irving is a better all-around player, but for the first half of the season, Brandon Knight was better. He lifted his team to greater heights.”

Miller on the Memphis Grizzlies: “Even before they went out and got [forward] Jeff Green, I thought this team was the best in the West. They have a great floor general in [point guard] Mike Conley and two bigs down low in [center] Marc Gasol and [power forward] Zach Randolph who pound the paint. They are tough to beat.”

Miller on Grizzlies All-Star center Marc Gasol: “I think what Marc Gasol does at both ends, as well as his passing ability, really separates him from the other centers in the league.”

Miller on Memphis forward Tony Allen: “This is why the Memphis Grizzlies are a special team. Tony Allen had been the starter on this team for the past few years, through all their success. When they went out and got Jeff Green, this young man basically gave up his starting position. Allen is all about grit, hard work and toughness at the defensive end. That is a selfless player. It makes the Grizzlies bench that much better.”

Miller on the positive effect the Jeff Green trade has had on the Grizzlies: “[Memphis forward] Jeff Green brings a level of athleticism that this team has not seen. No disrespect to [Grizzlies guard] Courtney Lee or Tony Allen, but at 6’9” Green has an ability to both stretch the floor and knock down threes.”

Miller on how the Grizzlies get it done on the defensive end: “They don’t put you on the free-throw line a lot. They don’t foul you, so you have to make shots against their stingy defense. That has always been the mark of a championship team.”

Miller on the frontcourt duo of Marc Gazol and Zach Randolph: “We always get into the great debate of the best backcourt. We talk about the Splash Brothers, John Wall and Bradley Beal…but what about the best big man duos in the game today? I would certainly pick Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol as the best frontcourt duo.”

Miller on Green replacing Allen in the Grizzlies’ starting lineup: “This is a team that is going to go much further with Jeff Green on the floor than it would with Tony Allen. That’s not to say anything bad about Allen. His minutes will be very valuable in the starting unit.”

Miller on Nuggets power forward Kenneth Faried: “There is no way Faried is going to be able to handle [Grizzlies power forward] Zach Randolph down low.”

Miller on Nuggets point guard Ty Lawson: “Lawson leads the nuggets in scoring, assists and steals, but his game has been very inconsistent. If he wants to be the floor general on this team, he has to be consistent every night.”

Miller on Faried: “He’s a high energy guy. When he is able to get the guy off the glass and go coast to coast, you can see that athleticism.”

Miller on Nuggets guard Jameer Nelson: “Take away what he does on the court, his most valuable contribution has been in the locker room. His leadership and veteran savvy have really rubbed off on the young players on the Nuggets.”

Miller on the future of the Denver Nuggets: “How are the Nuggets doing? I just don’t know what direction or path they want to take. Before the season started, they were supposed to be one of those teams fighting for that eighth spot. They have kind of been a rollercoaster team all season.”

Miller on Faried: “I was expecting a bigger and better season from Kenneth Faried. I thought coming off that gold medal this summer and playing with USA Men’s Basketball, being that energy guy off the bench for Coach K, that confidence wise, he would come in and play like gangbusters. He hasn’t done that. His numbers are the same, but he’s not quite the same player confidence wise.”

Miller on Nuggets center JaVale McGee: “He has loads of talent and great athleticism.”

Barry on newly named All-Star guard Jimmy Butler: “He is absolutely remarkable this year. The things that he has been able to do and show regarding the growth of his game are great. He can post up at the 2-guard position. He can defend the best player on the opposing team whether that is a two or three man…well deserved All-Star appearance with many more to come. This guy works and goes about his business.”

Barry on guard Derrick Rose learning how to be a great player: “The greatest players in our league motivate themselves just because they are out here competing.”

Barry on shooting guard Mike Dunleavy: “He doesn’t stop on the offensive end of the floor but is constantly moving…he’s one of the better three-point shooters in the league.”

Barry on Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson’s athleticism: “I saw him play last summer in Las Vegas and there were signs of what Jordan Clarkson can do on the court where you raised an eyebrow to his potential. Can he find his way to be a point guard in this league where most of them dominate the game? I’m not sure if he is ready for that test but this season will pay some dividends.”

Barry on the Lakers’ bench: “The Lakers have guys coming off the bench that have started in the league: Carlos Boozer, Jeremy Lin…these guys are capable of putting points on the board.”

**** **** **** ****

Inside the NBA presented by Kia

Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith

Barkley on Bulls guard Derrick Rose: “Derrick Rose is still playing like the old Derrick Rose. He’s got to learn that he is not the same guy. He has to learn to play with Jimmy Butler. You are a great player when you play with other great players. You shouldn’t try to do too much.”

Barkley on Derrick Rose: “He has to realize he’s not the MVP anymore.”

Barkley on Rose sharing the field: “You have to adjust. He can’t shoot 33 times. It was like when he was a one-man crew…but, in my opinion, Jimmy Butler is the best player on the team and he is also playing with the best offensive big man he’s ever had.”

O’Neal on what the Bulls need to work on: “They need to get their identity back on defense and create easy shots. Offense is not the problem, defense is.”

Barkley on Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol: “The best power forward center combination in the NBA.”

Barkley on Denver Nuggets: “We blame the coaches all the time and these players never take responsibility. It’s hard to lose an NBA game by 30 points. I feel bad because Brian is a really nice guy and a good coach. It’s a players league and sometimes the coach gets thrown under the bus.”

Smith on how the Nuggets lack effort: “They have to beat you one way. If they don’t play you that way, they are going to lose.”

Barkley on Rockets guard James Harden as a deserving All-Star starter: “James Harden should be starting. I love Kobe Bryant, but James Harden is in the race for MVP with [Warriors point guard] Steph Curry. He deserves to be starting in the All-Star Game. The Lakers stink and Kobe hasn’t played enough games. James Harden should be starting…plain and simple. Harden has been fantastic.”

O’Neal on Bryant: “It’s been rumored that he may shut it down after this year. Fans are saying, ‘This could be Kobe Bryant’s last All-Star game. I want to see him one last time.”

Smith on Bryant vs. Harden: “This is a fan’s list. I’d rather see Kobe Bryant as a fan. If I’m a player, picking my team to win the championship this year, then I’m picking James Harden.”

Eastern Conference All-Star starters:

John Wall

Washington Wizards

Kyle Lowry

Toronto Raptors

LeBron James

Cleveland Cavaliers

Pau Gasol

Chicago Bulls

Carmelo Anthony

New York Knicks

Smith on the Gasol brothers being the first set of brothers to ever face each other in an NBA All-Star Game: “It’s crazy. Two guys in the same household are two of the top 10 most popular players in the world and two of the top 10 players in the game at their position.”

Barkley on Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony being named an All-Star starter: “I do have a problem with Carmelo [being named a starter]. I just don’t understand. Fans have to be honest and realistic.”

Smith on Anthony: “He has accumulated a big amount of fans over his career who will ride or die with him.”

O’Neal on players from losing teams being named All-Stars: “We have to come to the realization that there are two types of fans. There are fans that think like Chuck: ‘His team’s not winning. I don’t care who he is, he’s not an All-Star.’ Then there are fans like me: ‘This guy has great numbers. As a single individual, he is an All-Star.”

TNT’s Inside the NBA team pick their Western Conference reserves:

Barkley

James Harden

Houston Rockets

Damian Lillard

Portland Trail Blazers

Klay Thompson

Golden State Warriors

LaMarcus Aldridge

Portland Trail Blazers

DeMarcus Cousins

Sacramento Kings

Russell Westbrook

Oklahoma City Thunder

Tim Duncan

San Antonio Spurs

Smith

James Harden

Houston Rockets

Damian Lillard

Portland Trail Blazers

Klay Thompson

Golden State Warriors

LaMarcus Aldridge

Portland Trail Blazers

DeMarcus Cousins

Sacramento Kings

Russell Westbrook

Oklahoma City Thunder

Dwight Howard

Houston Rockets

O’Neal

James Harden

Houston Rockets

Damian Lillard

Portland Trail Blazers

Klay Thompson

Golden State Warriors

LaMarcus Aldridge

Portland Trail Blazers

DeMarcus Cousins

Sacramento Kings

Kevin Durant

Oklahoma City Thunder

DeAndre Jordan

Los Angeles Clippers

Johnson

James Harden

Houston Rockets

Damian Lillard

Portland Trail Blazers

Klay Thompson

Golden State Warriors

LaMarcus Aldridge

Portland Trail Blazers

DeMarcus Cousins

Sacramento Kings

Russell Westbrook

Oklahoma City Thunder

Kevin Durant

Oklahoma City Thunder

Barkley on Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins: “He has played very well. He deserves to make the All-Star team. Shaq wants to anoint him as the best big man in the game and I cannot do that. If you put up good numbers, but your team loses all the time, you might be part of the problem. However, the kid is a terrific talent.”

O’Neal on Cousins: “He’s the best center in the league. When I was coming up, it was all based on numbers. Nobody is playing better than Cousins.”

Barkley on Spurs power forward Tim Duncan: “Tim Duncan has played well this year. He has been the best player on the Spurs, that’s why I put him on the team.”

Smith on his choice of Thunder point guard Russell Wesbtrook over Tim Duncan: “Any time you say Tim Duncan is an All-Star, you can’t be wrong. It’s just a personal preference. I was very close to putting Duncan in, but Russell Westbrook, without question, healthy or not healthy, is the most lethal guard in basketball. There is no one more lethal, not even Steph Curry. He has to be an All-Star.”

Barkley on Mavericks point guard Monta Ellis as an All-Star candidate: “There is just a glutton of point guards in the Western Conference. The best player on the Mavericks is Monta Ellis. He’s never going to be [center] Dirk Nowitzki, but Ellis is just going to be beat [out for All-Star] by [Warriors guard] Klay Thompson, who is the best two-guard in the league.”

Smith on the Mavericks: “If the Dallas Mavericks were in the Eastern Conference, they would have three All-Stars.”

TNT’s Inside the NBA team pick their Eastern Conference reserves:

Barkley

Jimmy Butler

Chicago Bulls

Jeff Teague

Atlanta Hawks

Paul Millsap

Atlanta Hawks

Chris Bosh

Miami Heat

Al Horford

Atlanta Hawks

Brandon Knight

Milwaukee Bucks

Kyle Korver

Atlanta Hawks

Smith

Jimmy Butler

Chicago Bulls

Jeff Teague

Atlanta Hawks

Paul Millsap

Atlanta Hawks

Chris Bosh

Miami Heat

Al Horford

Atlanta Hawks

Kyrie Irving

Cleveland Cavaliers

Dwyane Wade

Miami Heat

O’Neal

Jimmy Butler

Chicago Bulls

Jeff Teague

Atlanta Hawks

Paul Millsap

Atlanta Hawks

Marcin Gortat

Washington Wizards

Kevin Love

Cleveland Cavaliers

Kyrie Irving

Cleveland Cavaliers

Bradley Beal

Washington Wizards

Johnson

Jimmy Butler

Chicago Bulls

Jeff Teague

Atlanta Hawks

Paul Millsap

Atlanta Hawks

Marcin Gortat

Washington Wizards

Al Horford

Atlanta Hawks

Chris Bosh

Miami Heat

Kyrie Irving

Cleveland Cavaliers

Barkley on the Atlanta Hawks: “Atlanta Hawks deserve four All-Stars. I reward winning. The Hawks have the second-best record in the NBA.”

Smith on Bucks point guard Brandon Knight vs. Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving: “The toughest decision for me was Brandon Knight or Kyrie Irving. Knight is not a better player in the long run, but I would pick him for this season and what he’s doing for his team. When LeBron James was out, [Cavs center] Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving had an opportunity to separate themselves and show that they could carry a team without James…they didn’t’ do a good job of that. Knight is carrying the Bucks offensively. He is running the show.”

Barkley on Hawks sharpshooter Kyle Korver: “Steph Curry might be the best shooter in the NBA, but I would pay to see Kyle Korver. If I need one wide open jumper, I might go with Korver over Curry. He reminds me of Reggie Miller and Steve Kerr. ”

O’Neal on the Hawks: “They should have three or four guys that make the All-Star team, and I hope they do.”

Barkley on the Milwaukee Bucks: Milwaukee is one of the best kept secrets in the NBA. They lost [Bucks forward] Jabari Parker, who was arguably the Rookie of the Year, but they are still winning.”

Hill on Bulls point guard Derrick Rose getting over his injuries: “It is about trusting your body. The mental hurdle is the last hurdle to accomplish. Derrick Rose is there but he has to continue to trust his body that he’ll be okay.”

Hill on the potential of the Bulls team once all healthy: “When they get healthy, they have a chance to make up some ground.”

Hill on the Bulls’ loss in Cleveland earlier this week: “Tonight is a drastic change from Monday night in Cleveland. They are bringing energy and effort, and playing with a sense of urgency they didn’t have against the Cavs. That game might have been the lowest point for Chicago this season. They had team meetings and a lot of speculation in the media. It’s encouraging to see them come out and play Chicago Bulls basketball.”

Miller on Bulls guard Jimmy Butler and Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard: “Both are fabulous talents who get it done at both ends of the floor. More importantly, on defense. They are hard, gritty and they both rebound. Butler is only the second guard behind James Harden in free throw attempts. That shows he’s aggressive.”

Miller on Butler: “You should book a ticket to New York for Jimmy Butler. He deserves to be an All-Star reserve for the Eastern Conference.”

Hill on Derrick Rose: “I love the explosion of Derrick Rose tonight. He’s getting to the basket, getting up high and elevating in traffic. It’s a great sign for the Bulls.”

Hill on the success of Bulls power forward Pau Gasol in Chicago: “He was marginalized and forgotten the last two or three years in Los Angeles. That [Lakers former head coach] Mike D’Antoni style of play didn’t really fit him. People forgot how talented he is. Here in Chicago, he gets a chance to show that he’s still got it.”

Hill on the value of a deep bench: “It’s a great luxury to have a deep bench. [Spurs head coach Gregg] Popovich learns to trust them and they typically come through in the playoffs when he needs them. A lot of coaches don’t trust their bench through the season. Popovich empowers these guys and makes them believe in themselves. He can rely on them when he needs them down the stretch.”

Miller on the Spurs offense: “The Spurs are so patient at the offensive end when the shot clock is running down. They constantly have movement.”

Hill on Spurs center Boris Diaw: “Boris Diaw is yet another playmaker for San Antonio and a very talented defender.”

Miller on Diaw: “This guy is so crafty with the basketball. What makes him even tougher to guard is his passing ability at that size.”

Hill on whether the Spurs can repeat as NBA Champions this year: “Without a doubt. There is no real team in the West that is sticking out. The Spurs have an easy schedule, and it’s conceivable that by All-Star they could be third or fourth in the conference. They are gaining momentum, which they usually do this time of year. You can’t count out the San Antonio Spurs…I’ve learned that.”

Barry on the weakness of the Nets defense: “There are gaps all over the Brooklyn Nets defense that the Clippers are exposing.”

Barry on the lack of consistent shooters on the Nets: “No shooter has gotten hot and stayed consistent for the Nets this season. It takes so much away from your offense when your point guards are pitching it out to opportunities and no one is able to knock those shots down.”

Barry on whether Lionel Hollins’ new system in Brooklyn has been a success: “The Nets have a new coach and new perspective, as well as veteran guys learning a new system. Hollins will admit he’s had to make adjustments around those guys, once he found out if they were capable of carrying out their assignments. Then you have the injuries, with [center] Brook Lopez and [power forward] Kevin Garnett in and out of the lineup. Hollins feels like he’s done a pretty good job in the first half of the year. Hopefully they can get some consistency and a good run in the second half.”

Barry on the Nets offense: “[Nets point guard] Deron Williams does so much offensively, but they are only going to be as good as their shooters start to take them. Williams is gearing up, they need more consistent minutes for Garnett, and the [center] Mason Plumlee is improving. They need to win a stretch of games before we can start believing in what this team can do.”

Barry on bench players getting an opportunity to play in blowout games: “Whether you are up, or you see the hole that’s been dug and you know you’ll stay buried for the rest of the game, you have to play the game the right way. There is some karma that can carry over. If you play hard as a bench player, you compete and you do the right things, the next game, something good might happen to you. Don’t come in and think ‘this is embarrassing’ when the game is well out of hand. It’s a difficult thought, but you have to avoid it.”

Barry on the Clippers this season: “It just feels different. They are dealing with something they haven’t ever experienced…expectations.”

Barry on Clipper center DeAndre Jordan: “What he does on the interior on a nightly basis for [head coach] Doc Rivers puts the Clippers in a great position to win.”

Barry on Clippers guard Jamal Crawford: “Jamal continues to be a bright spot for the Clippers. There are so many nights when they rely on him. He comes in and saves them offensively.”

Barry on the improvement of Clippers star Blake Griffin: “He’s shooting the ball well. I think he has expanded his game a little bit and has taken some criticism for doing the things he needed to in order to start being a better player.”

Barry on head coach Doc Rivers bringing in his son, guard Austin Rivers: “It is very interesting. There is lots of chatter about Doc making the move to bring Austin in. His career has gotten off to a rough start. This might be Doc’s attempt to try and save Austin River’s career moving forward, to simplify things for him and give him this great opportunity. It tells you a lot about the trust he has in the rest of the team, to take on Austin as a player, add him to this roster and give him minutes as they try to make progress throughout the season.”

Brent on the monster dunks of DeAndre Jordan: “There are two or three dunks a year that DeAndre Jordan gets on an opposing player, and it’s talked about all summer long. Makes for a miserable summer for his defenders.”

Barry on the inconsistency between the Clippers starters and bench players: “The Clippers bench is like when you are a parent and you have kids. You have friends come over, you give your kids to them and they wind them up and get them all excited. But when the kids start crying and fussing the friends hand them back to their parents. That’s what the bench and the starters are for the Clippers. The starters get the game going, hand it over to the bench and the kid is crying when they come back in. The bench has to be able to maintain and take care of the game.”

Barry on the impending trade deadline and if Doc Rivers will bring any players in to positively affect his team: “We’ve already seen teams that are in the hunt make significant moves on their roster, to bring in guys that will be significant in their rotation. Doc Rivers is content to wait, because he wants to add veteran presence. He wants to make sure he can pick guys that he knows what they can bring to the team. Sticking with the known and leaving the unknown alone. That’s the M.O. of Doc Rivers when it comes to adding players to the roster.”

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Inside the NBA presented by Kia

Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith

Smith on the Chicago Bulls: “They are a team that could contend. They have all the elements in every position. One out of three nights they will have the advantage, minimum. Especially when [center] Joakim Noah is back.”

O’Neal on Bulls power forward Pau Gasol: “Pau is playing unbelievable. It’s hard to believe this is his 14th year [in the NBA]…and his best year.”

Smith on Bulls point guard Aaron Brooks: “Everywhere he’s been, he’s been able to score. Even when he went overseas, he was able to score.”

Barkley on the Spurs loss to the Bulls: “I think Coach Popovich was surprised at the level of competitiveness. You can’t judge the Spurs until everybody gets healthy. They are just getting Kawhi Leonard back and Tony Parker has been in and out. They are going to be tough because they play hard, smart and they have the best coach in the NBA. It’s going to be interesting now with the injury to Aldridge. It’s just ridiculous out West right now.”

Smith on his NBA finals prediction: “I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw the Spurs and Bulls playing each other in June.”

O’Neal on the Spurs chances in the playoffs: “I’m not worried about the Spurs. Yes, they are older, but they can win on the road. It’s not checkers; it’s chess. If the playoffs started today, I think the Spurs could go into Portland and win.”

Barkley on the fast play of the Clippers: “The Clippers are the best full-court team in the NBA. You can’t let them play fast. When you let them dunk and everything, they are going to be tough to beat.”

Barkley on the rumors of tension between Cavaliers head coach David Blatt and the players in Cleveland: “I don’t know what is true and not, but if these rumors that these guys on the cavaliers are trying to get their coach fired and assistant coaches are trying to undermine their head coach, they are punks in my opinion.”

Webber on the quick release of Rockets guard James Harden: “He doesn’t have as quick of a release as [Warriors point guard] Steph Curry, but he’s right up there.”

Webber on the team play of the Rockets: “The Rockets are winning games because of sharing and penetration, and it all starts with [James] Harden.”

Webber on Rockets forward Josh Smith: “He’s athletic and a willing passer. He is a good defender and keeps guys involved, but [for Smith to be successful in the NBA] it’s going to take somebody like Rockets head coach Kevin McHale believing in him.”

Webber on the winning style of the Rockets: “The great thing about Houston is they have defenders, guys that can steal; they shoot threes and they have the personnel to switch. If [center] Dwight Howard goes out, [power forward] Donatas Motiejunas comes in to stretch the floor. It seems like the perfect team for the defensive and offensive style that [head coach] Kevin McHale wants to see his team play.”

Webber on Josh Smith’s poor three-point shooting: “If you don’t shoot well, it affects your aggressiveness. Smith needs to improve his three-point shooting or teams are going to hack-a-Josh in the fourth quarter, and the Rockets don’t want that.”

Webber on Rockets point guard Patrick Beverley: “We all know he is a capable offensive player but, with his defense, any offense that you get is just extra. Usually you have a specialist on your team that just plays defense. No one in the league guards the ball or turns guys like he does. Having his offense is just the icing on the cake.”

Webber on the recent incident between Kevin Garnett and Dwight Howard: “I would like to see Dwight Howard protect himself and show other players that you can’t do that to him, but that’s not his personality or his character.”

Webber on Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook’s unselfish play: “Until Kevin Durant came back [from injury], Westbrook was carrying the team on his shoulders. Right now he is trying to make sure his team wins regardless of his stats.”

Webber on Thunder’s recent trade for guard Dion Waiters: “They are starting to get their mojo and their groove back, and they are very excited about Waiters. They are saying that he is a defensive player and he really helps the facilitating.”

Webber on the versatility of Westbrook: “I love the different speeds of Westbrook…he can speed it up or slow it down. He can also shoot from anywhere on the court.”

Webber on the three-team trade between the Cavaliers, Knicks and Thunder: “I like the trade for everyone, especially [Thunder guard] Dion Waiters. Whenever you are traded it’s a deflation of your ego, but you have to remember someone wanted you and asked for you. It’s a great opportunity for guys to revaluate themselves, be honest and reinvent themselves.”

Webber on reported trade involving Nets center Brook Lopez to the Thunder: “I know it’s just speculation, but Brook Lopez is what OKC might need. He can block shots and finish. If I’m a Thunder fan; I’m very excited about that prospect.”

Miller on the speculation surrounding unrest between the Cavaliers players and head coach: “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. There is probably a little validity to what everyone is saying. However, there is one person in this building who can stop all this nonsense, and it’s [Cleveland star] LeBron James. If LeBron were to get in front of a microphone and say, ‘I’m tired of hearing all this noise,’ we wouldn’t hear anything. We’re rolling with this guy. But it’s silence from LeBron James…I understand he’s in a tough predicament, but he could stop all of this.”

Miller on the reason it is taking this Cavaliers time to find their rhythm: “There are a lot of moving parts. You are adding a center, two shooting guards [J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert], a new system and a rookie coach who has never coached in the NBA before.”

Miller on Cavs head coach David Blatt: “The thought when he first came to Cleveland was that he was going to expand the Cavaliers’ game offensively. The reason why we haven’t seen that is all the injuries and trades.”

Miller on the relationship between LeBron James and Kobe Bryant: “I equate these two to Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan on the original Dream Team. Kobe and LeBron are the best of their generation, obviously. They have a special relationship. They are the best players on the planet.”

Miller on Cavaliers center Kevin Love’s back spasms: “You can tell Kevin Love is very uncomfortable by the way he is walking. His back is really acting up. If you’re [head coach] David Blatt that is something to really think about. There are a lot of games left to play.”

Miller on Love playing through the pain: “It sends a message to your team. ‘I play hurt. I’ll do whatever it takes to win.’”

Miller on a 36-year-old Kobe Bryant: “I know exactly what Kobe is going through. In my 17th and 18th year, there were some games where I didn’t even know I had legs because they were so fatigued and sore. I like that [head coach] Byron Scott and the trainers have come up with a game plan [to keep him healthy]. They are going to stick to Kobe playing only 32 minutes a game.”

Miller on the notion that the Lakers might shut Kobe down after the All-Star break: “If that ever happens, I would love to be in the room for that conversation. There is no way Kobe will ever think about shutting down. He wants to compete at the highest level, all the time. It’s already tough enough that the Lakers have cut his minutes down to 32, but Father Time is undefeated for a reason.”

Miller on the mutual respect shared by Kobe Bryant and LeBron James: “LeBron looks up to Kobe, but it’s mutual respect and admiration. At the end of the day, these two want to beat each other, but they’ll have a good time while doing it. It’s been a while since we’ve seen them going against each other on the court due to injuries. It’s a great scene.”

Miller on how the Lakers can improve next season: “In a perfect world, this team wants to be bad enough to have a top five pick. Then they will get an injured [Lakers rookie] Julius Randle back, have a top draft pick and still have money to go out and get a top free agent.”

Miller on the impressive play of Kobe Bryant: “I hope people appreciate this. We aren’t going to see it much longer. There are only two guards in the history of the game that I would take over Kobe Bryant. One being Michael Jordan, the other being Magic Johnson. After that, Kobe Bryant is the best guard who has ever played this game.”

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Inside the NBA presented by Kia

Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith

Smith on early MVP candidate James Harden: “James Harden is the best one-on-one player in the NBA. He took the title over from Carmelo Anthony.”

Barkley on the Memphis Grizzlies as a contender: “I really like what Memphis has done, going out and getting [forward] Jeff Green. It makes them a three-headed monster.”

Barkley on the Milwaukee Bucks 21-19 record so far this season: “Jason Kidd has done a fantastic job. One of the most underrated things in sports is the ability to play hard. Everybody gets so enamored with talent, but energy is a talent.”

NBA on TNT presented by State Farm regular season coverage continues with a special Martin Luther King, Jr. Day doubleheader on Monday, Jan. 19, with the Chicago Bulls and Derrick Rose visiting the Cleveland Cavaliers and LeBron James at 7:30 p.m. ET, followed by the Phoenix Suns and Eric Bledsoe hosting the Los Angeles Lakers and Kobe Bryant at 10 p.m. Marv Albert will call the Bulls/Cavaliers game alongside analysts Grant Hill and reporter David Aldridge, while Brian Anderson will provide play-by-play for the Lakers/Suns matchup with analyst Reggie Miller and reporter Rachel Nichols. TNT’s coverage will begin at 7 p.m. with TNT NBA Tip-Off presented by AutoTrader.com.

Additionally, NBA TV will tip-off the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day game lineup with two of the best teams in the Western Conference in action when the Dallas Mavericks and Dirk Nowitzki visit the Memphis Grizzlies and Marc Gasol at 5 p.m. Coverage will begin at 4:30 p.m. with the AutoTrader.com Pregame Show hosted by Matt Winer alongside analysts Steve Smith and Brent Barry.

Live streaming coverage of all NBA on TNT games is available via www.tntdrama.com/watchtnt and the Watch TNT app. Fans are able to access the games whenever and wherever they desire by logging in with the user name and password provided by their TV service provider. Additionally, enhanced live streaming coverage of select NBA on TNT games is available via TNT Overtime (http://www.nba.com/tntovertime/).

TNT Updates NBA Telecast Schedule

TNT has updated its upcoming NBA regular season schedule to include the Grizzlies hosting the Denver Nuggets and Ty Lawson on Thursday, Jan. 29, at 8 p.m. The game telecast will replace the previously scheduled New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers matchup. The NBA on TNT schedule over the remainder of the month:

Date

Time (ET)

Game / Commentators

Thursday, Jan. 15

8 p.m.

Oklahoma City Thunder @ Houston Rockets

Marv Albert, Chris Webber, David Aldridge

10:30 p.m.

Cleveland Cavaliers @ Los Angeles Lakers

Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Rachel Nichols

Post-game

Inside the NBA presented by Kia

Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith

Monday, Jan. 19

7 p.m.

TNT NBA Tip-Off presented by AutoTrader.com

Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal, Smith

7:30 p.m.

Chicago Bulls @ Cleveland Cavaliers

Albert, Grant Hill, Aldridge

10 p.m.

Los Angeles Lakers @ Phoenix Suns

Brian Anderson, Miller, Nichols

Post-game

Inside the NBA presented by Kia

Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal, Smith

Thursday, Jan. 22

8 p.m.

San Antonio Spurs @ Chicago Bulls

Albert, Miller, Hill, Nichols

10:30 p.m.

Brooklyn Nets at Los Angeles Clippers

Harlan, Greg Anthony, Jaime Maggio

Post-game

Inside the NBA presented by Kia

Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal, Smith

Thursday, Jan. 29

8 p.m.

Denver Nuggets @ Memphis Grizzlies

Albert, Miller, Aldridge

10:30 p.m.

Chicago Bulls @ Los Angeles Lakers

Harlan, Brent Barry

Post-game

Inside the NBA presented by Kia

Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal, Smith

Turner Sports, marking its 31st consecutive year of NBA coverage, will feature a 53-game regular-season schedule on TNT. Additionally, TNT is the exclusive home of NBA Thursday Night doubleheaders, the NBA All-Star Weekend and more NBA Playoff games than any other network including first and second round action along with the exclusive presentation of the 2015 NBA Eastern Conference Finals.

O’Neal on Rockets forward Dwight Howard: “I don’t know if I like Dwight Howard deferring to James Harden so much. I know James is playing great, but I know from experience if you want to win a championship you have to dominate. It’s not good enough to be a good/great big man; you have to dominate.”

Smith on the Rockets playoff chances: “They are going to win the same amount of games in the regular season without Josh Smith or Corey Brewer. During the playoffs, they will have seven guys that at any night can explode. That actually moved them up.”

Barkley on Houston’s Josh Smith: “At this stage in Josh Smith’s career, he’s never going to get it.”

Barkley on the players the Cleveland Cavaliers recently acquired: “This makes the Cavs relevant. They were way out of the conversation. You got the Bulls, Wizards and the Raptors. I didn’t even count the Cavaliers. The addition of those two guys…getting [Timofey] Mosgov and [Iman] Shumpert makes the Cavs relevant again.

Miller on guard Trevor Ariza: “Ariza has played fantastic for Kevin McHale and his Rockets.”

Miller on Josh Smith: “There’s no question this guy has talent…his athletic ability and what he can do on the floor. If you are Kevin McHale you have to put him in the right situation to thrive with this team.”

Miller on James Harden: “His MVP play really started this summer under Coach K and that team. When [Kevin] Durant and Paul George didn’t play on that team, I think the responsibility of being team leader went to James Harden and he accepted that. I think that play has come over to the regular season for Houston.”

O’Neal on his criticism of Dwight Howard: “A lot of people may think I’m picking on him. I’m not picking on him. I have to stay on the big man like the forefathers stayed on me.”

Miller on the Knicks center Cole Aldrich: “One of the winners in the trade is Cole Aldrich. This gives Aldrich a chance to play major minutes. He’s very serviceable, has good hands around the basket and is a pretty good passer in this triangle offense, which you need. You need bigs that are able to pass the basketball.”

Miller on the Knicks roster: “I want to see more of Cleanthony Early and Tim Hardway, Jr. If you are going to rebuild, play the young guys. Let’s see what we have here.”

Anthony on center Hassan Whiteside: “He gives them size and versatility on the front line. He has the ability to finish in traffic which is an added skill and asset for any team.”

Barkley on Miami: “They are the Heat without LeBron James…every game is challenging.”

Anthony on center LaMarcus Aldridge: “He has found his groove as an elite player.”

Anthony on Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts: “He has matured as a head coach and really has the attention of this team.”

Anthony on Portland becoming a legitimate contender: “Last year they were in the top 10, defensively; now they are in the top five defensively and they are getting better bench play.”

Barkley: “If I had to pick two teams to represent their conference right now, I would pick the Trail Blazers and the Bulls.”

Anthony on the Trail Blazers: “They are high octane offensively, but also very proficient on the defensive side of the ball. “

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Inside the NBA presented by Kia

Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith

Barkley on the Cleveland trade: “I love the trade. J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert need to play well in Cleveland…they need to get better on the perimeter. The Cavs were irrelevant last week but now they are back in the conversation.”

Smith on his choice between Golden State Warriors and Portland Trail Blazers: “Sustainability…Portland has it. They can play likes this for the rest of the season. I don’t think Golden State can win the West; I think Portland is more consistent.”

Barkley on the Trail Blazers: “[Right now] they can get baskets down low and they have two of the best shooters but, at some point (going into the playoffs), they need to find out how to get easier baskets.”

Charles Barkley on the Wizards: “John Wall and the Washington Wizards are a clear and present danger to the Toronto Raptors and the Chicago Bulls.”

O’Neal on the Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade: “D-Wade played like the young D-Wade today. He came out with a lot of energy… D-Wade played like the young Flash today.”

Barkley on the Chicago Bulls: “I think if Derrick Rose is healthy, not only are the Bulls the best team in the East, I would make them the favorite to win the World Championship. They have everything… Derrick Rose is the only question mark. [Jimmy] Butler is terrific, [Taj] Gibson, the addition of Pau Gasol, [Joakim] Noah, [Nikola] Mirotic, they don’t even have [Doug] McDermott but let me tell you something, they have it all.

Kenny Smith on the Bulls: “The only component they don’t have is health, so if they’re able to stay together, stay healthy, there isn’t a team in the NBA that has all of the dynamics, from center to point guard to bench.”

Webber on the Lakers’ offensive productivity improving when Bryant’s not on the floor: “I definitely believe it. It’s not because of Kobe, it might be because of guys sitting around stargazing… If you have a failsafe there, you usually tend to go to that and not put risk on yourself. For Kobe, it seems sometimes guys aren’t as aggressive because they’re willing to lean on their leader so much.”

Webber on Bryant’s disappointment in missing the game: “Seeing Kobe’s face today, and knowing him for as long as I have, I don’t know if I’ve seen a more disappointed Kobe. I know the fans are disappointed, but I think Kobe expected to play more than the fans expected him to play.”

Webber on Lakers coach Byron Scott: “He loves the team as much as Lakers fans do, and whenever you have a guy like that’s committed; he’s a Laker for life. This isn’t him just out here in a coaching job, he’s a Laker for life. This means a lot to him.”

Webber on Scott and Bryant’s relationship: “No other coach the Lakers could have hired in this world, no other coach I believe could have gotten Kobe to sit down. Not only did they hire his coach, they hired his old head, his mentor, his ex-teammate who he knows has his best interest at heart.”

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Webber on Pau Gasol: “I think [Pau] Gasol has come here and proven I can play on either coast, I’m tough inside, I can get back to career-high numbers in rebounding and scoring. The emergence of Pau after injuries and, when you thought he was on the downturn of his career, it’s not that way at all.”

Webber on Aaron Brooks: “[Aaron] Brooks averaged about 20 points for Houston, has always been a pacesetter, and on this Bulls teams that plays such great defense, when he comes into the game with the second unit and the pace just increases.”

Webber on this year’s Bulls team compared to 2010: “Even though Chicago was good in 2010, with aspirations to win a championship, I still feel this team is better because now Derrick Rose doesn’t have to stand outside, shoot the ball, and go off 20 pick-and-rolls. He has guys that can get him involved. This team is much better.”

Webber on Mirotic being considered among the top rookies in the NBA: “He’s definitely in the Rookie of the Year conversation. He may be a little hamstrung only because his team is so good and maybe he can’t get minutes because it’s a really good team.”

Miller on Draymond Green: “They may have to pay that heartbeat [Green] because he’s an unrestricted free agent at year end… Here’s the question, you already got David Lee making $14 or $15 [million] a year coming off the bench, Bob Myers and that brain trust, Jerry West, Joe Lacob, the owner, they’re going to have some decisions to make on Draymond Green because he’s certainly having a breakout season here for the Warriors.”

Miller on Klay Thompson: “This is a guy that gets it done on both ends of the floor. You can talk all you want about his outside shooting, the way he’s able to stretch the floor, but he’s one of the best, if not the best, two-way guards.”

Miller on Justin Holiday: “Steve Kerr can relate to the effort that [Justin] Holiday has put in during those practice hours. This is a guy coming off the bench with role players and your minutes are scattered, but if you work hard in practice and get some minutes, this guy the last two games has been averaging 15 points and almost 45 percent [shooting percentage] from downtown.”

Miller on the weakness for the Warriors: “The Achilles heel in this team is when they turn the basketball over they’re not a very good ball club.”

Miller on DeAndre Jordan being active around the rim: “This is one thing [a put back at the rim] Doc Rivers has the luxury to have. He doesn’t have to run a single play for [Jordan], but he always ends the game with a double-double.”

Miller on the success of Doc Rivers in Los Angeles: “I think that gets lost in the Donald Sterling saga last year, what Doc Rivers did with all those distractions to get by this Warriors team in that slugfest seven-game series, and then [the Clippers] had a chance, really, to beat OKC [Oklahoma City].”

Miller on Jamal Crawford: “The best hard shot maker in the NBA..”

Miller on the Clippers win against the Western Conference-leading Warriors: “You know how ultra-competitive this Western Conference is going to be, so this is a huge win for the Clippers, who’ve really struggled against the powerhouses of the Western Conference.”

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Inside the NBA presented by Kia

Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith

Barkley on the Clippers: “I’m not sold on the Clippers at all. They’re not tough enough… They’re not mentally tough enough; Blake [Griffin] doesn’t impose his will.”

Smith on the Warriors improving defensively this season: “I think that with Draymond Green being able to guard guys one-on-one, as you saw tonight, Andre Iguodala being able to guard guys one-on-one…Klay Thompson is a very improved defensive player, and then you add [Andrew] Bogut who’s a shot blocker, and David Lee, who’s a defensive player, they have more of a defensive presence than they’ve ever had.”

Barkley on the best team in the Western Conference: “The Portland Trail Blazers… They have solidified their bench… It’s a fluid situation; in my opinion right now… I might take the Portland Trail Blazers coming out of the west.”

Smith on Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo’s move to Dallas: “The great thing about Rondo is that he has played with [veterans] Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, three other guys who like having the ball and like to score. You look at [Mavericks stars] Dirk Nowitzki, Monta Ellis and Chandler Parsons and you say, ‘Ok…he’s done this before.’ Not only did he do it, he played at a high level with veterans. It’s hard to say it puts the Mavericks over the top, but they will be one or two in terms of regular season. When the playoffs start, you can’t just give it to them, because there are other teams that have done it already, OKC and San Antonio especially.”

O’Neal on Rondo to the Mavs: “It definitely puts the Mavericks in the championship talk. Last time they had weapons of this caliber, they won a championship. He makes it easier for people. Now [Mavs guard] Monta Ellis doesn’t have to handle the ball. He can get up court and Rondo will deliver. I see them making it to the Western Conference Finals.”

Hill: “This is a power move right here. You’ve got to give credit to [Mavericks owner] Mark Cuban. He’s going all in. I like this move. Anything could happen in the West.”

Hill on the Thunder’s ability to get to the postseason: “Everybody has been talking about this mountain they have to climb, but if these guys are healthy, they are going to win enough games to get into the postseason. The most important thing is they are playing their best basketball going into the postseason. They are good enough to come out of the Western Conference when they are clicking on all cylinders.”

O’Neal on playing the Thunder in the playoffs: “No one wants to face them in the first round. It’s going to be a lot of teams watching them to see what spot they’re in and they’ll be finagling games so they don’t have to play the Thunder.”

Hill on the injury to Warriors center Andrew Bogut: “They don’t need Bogut during the regular season, but when the postseason comes and they have to prepare, they are going to need him. They are playing great basketball now. But everything changes in the postseason; they are going to need the big fella back.”

Barkley on Knicks guard Tim Hardaway Jr.: “Hardaway Jr. has a chance to be a terrific player in this league. He has to be careful to not rely on the jump shot…just taking the ball to the basket will open up his outside game.”

Barkley on the Knicks: “This notion that just because they have a lot of money, everyone is going to want to come to New York and play for [Knicks President] Phil Jackson, I think that’s a flawed theory. Some of these guys will be giving up 20, 30, 40 million dollars. They’re not going to give that up just to say they played for Jackson. The Knicks are a lot of players away from being legitimate.”

Miller on why the triangle offense isn’t working for the Knicks: “When you run the triangle offense, and you have a Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal or Scottie Pippen, all your attention and your eyes are diverted to them. On this Knicks team, other than Carmelo Anthony…their opponents don’t have to double down.”

Barkley on Knicks star Carmelo Anthony: “If I needed one basket in the NBA, I would go to Carmelo. That guy is just a flat out scorer. He gets a lot of the blame, but he is not the reason the Knicks are awful.”

Miller on Knicks power forward Amar’e Stoudemire: “Stoudemire is having the most efficient season of any of the New York Knicks, including Carmelo Anthony…balance wise, shooting wise. It’s been a nice resurgence for Amar’e.”

Miller on the lack of emotion from Knicks head coach Derek Fisher: “Why does everybody have to be [Jets head coach] Rex Ryan, ranting and screaming on the sidelines? Everyone’s demeanor is different. All coaches coach differently. Phil Jackson wasn’t a screamer, either. This is how Derek Fisher coaches.”

Barkley on the early criticism of Fisher: “First it was [former Knicks head coach] Mike D’Antoni’s fault, then it was [former Knicks head coach] Mike Woodson’s fault…now it’s Derek Fisher’s fault. At some point as a player you have to look in the mirror and think, ‘Maybe I’m part of the problem.’ We can’t just keep firing coaches.”

Miller on why Phil Jackson and the Knicks should stick to the triangle offense instead of adjusting to the strengths of their current players: “It’s a culture and a lifestyle. If they end up getting free agents, this is how they are going to play. You have to market it and get it out there.”

Barkley on the reason this Knicks team is not buying into the triangle: “They’re not trying to buy into the triangle. They’re not worried about creating a culture. They are auditioning and are trying to put up good numbers for their future teams. Most of these players aren’t going to be with the Knicks next year. They’re just trying to get numbers.”

Barkley on Bulls power forward Pau Gasol: “He’s rejuvenated. I think last year he didn’t feel appreciated in L.A. because he knew they weren’t going to sign him. He’s playing with great energy.”

Barkley on the Bulls: “They have the two best passing big men in the NBA with [power forward] Pau Gasol and [center] Joakim Noah down low. They are going to work well together all season.”

Miller on Bulls shooting guard Jimmy Butler: “Jimmy Butler should absolutely be an All-Star. It’s what he’s done at the defensive end. I love the mental approach. He learned a lot of this when he was under the tutelage of [Heat forward] Luol Deng. How he approached the game and studied his opponent, Butler is along the same cut of that in his approach on the defensive end.”

Barkley on Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau: “They play his way, with maximum energy and effort. You play defense or you don’t get to play. This guy is one of the better coaches in the NBA. We should appreciate him.”

Barkley on the Eastern Conference: “When you look at the Eastern Conference there are four elite teams. The Bulls are the best team. Then you have Toronto, Washington and Cleveland. On paper, if they can ever get healthy, the Bulls are the team to beat.”

Miller on the leaders on the Bulls: “Until [point guard] Derrick Rose is fully healthy, this offense is going to be running through Jimmy Butler and Pau Gasol.”

Webber on the increased leadership of Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook this year: “It seems that in years past Westbrook’s role was to push the pace and be aggressive. This year, there has been a switching of roles due to Durant’s early injuries. Westbrook has embraced the responsibility and increased his input. He’s been efficient and improved defensively.”

Webber on the Thunder’s strength on the road: “You have to love the way they come out, especially on the road, with their attention to detail from the start.”

Webber on the Thunder’s ability to rely on Westbrook with Durant out with injury: “It’s so great to have a player like Westbrook on your team that always stays at the same level: aggressive and ready to go. The team can focus on him and not worry about the what-ifs [surrounding Durant’s ankle injury] until after the game, because they still have a great leader like Westbrook.”

Webber on Westbrook: “I don’t know where the term ‘stopping on a dime’ came from, but he is the definition of that. He’s full speed into a jump shot. He makes it look easy.”

Webber on the atmosphere in Golden State: “These are some of the most underrated fans. Even through the thin years, when their team wasn’t very good, these fans were still loud. This is what they deserve, an exciting brand of basketball with a lot of highlight plays.”

Webber on Warriors forward Draymond Green: “Being an undersized player used to be such a disadvantage, because you could only stay in the post or different areas where the coach would not allow you to play your full game. [Warriors head coach] Steve Kerr has let Green go, and he is efficient from all areas of the floor.”

Webber on the early success of Warriors head coach Steve Kerr: “He had to communicate with guys, let them know his intentions and they had to trust him. Trust is a really big thing in the NBA. Much kudos go to Kerr for having this team trusting him this early.”

Webber on the flow of the Warriors offense: “We’re seeing shots tonight that you just don’t see all the time. Steph Curry is shooting threes and attacking. When he flows and shares [the ball] with his teammates, everything starts to flow.”

Webber on the difficulty teams have defending the Warriors: “The Warriors are not only great three-point shooters but also great three-point shooters late in the game…a tough assignment for any opponent.”

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Inside the NBA presented by Kia

Johnson, O’Neal, Smith, Hill

Smith on what the Pelicans need to make it to the next level: “They have all the talent. What do they need? They have a point guard who’s a star in Jrue Holiday, they have a former rookie of the year in Tyreke Evans, an emerging superstar in [center] Anthony Davis, [forward] Ryan Anderson who shoots it lights out and guys who come off the bench and contribute. The only thing they need is experience, but they have everything you need to be a contender.”

Hill on the new starting five in Dallas: “They have the pieces. I would put that starting five up against anybody. They have to be in the conversation. I’m not 100% sure about their bench, but that starting five is as good as any, and could will a team to The Finals.”

Smith on what Rajon Rondo’s move to Dallas means for visiting teams: “When you come into Dallas, you don’t get a night off. You don’t have an advantage. You have to create an advantage when you play against Rondo. Now teams going into Dallas will be on their heels. Rondo defends and pushes the ball on you.”

TNT’s NBA coverage will continue Thursday, Dec. 18, at 8 p.m. ET with a doubleheader featuring the New York Knicks @ Chicago Bulls followed by the Oklahoma City Thunder @ Golden State Warriors at 10:30 p.m.

Hill on Cavaliers Head Coach David Blatt: “He certainly has the responsibility to meet the exceptions of this Cavs team. It’s definitely not an easy situation. You have a team that was fighting to get into the Playoffs. David Blatt has a lot on his plate but he’s done a good job with some adversity.”

Hill on the Thunder: “The Thunder have been sloppy on the offensive end. As they try to work Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant back in the mix it takes time to get that rhythm offensively.”

Hill on Thunder guard Russell Westbrook: “He’s unguardable, he’s relentless. He comes at you. He’s constantly attacking you at both ends of the floor.”

Smith on the best point guard between Westbrook and Kyrie Irving: “Best is defined by winning. Russell Westbrook is the better point guard because he’s been the better winner.”

Barkley on Westbrook: “I can watch him play a lot. He’s spectacular. Before Derrick Rose got hurt, I never saw a point guard that explosive and that athletic…if he would just slow down a little bit.”

Hill on teammates Westbrook and Kevin Durant: “Those two have great chemistry out on the court.”

Hill on Thunder center Steven Adams: “Adam was a nice draft pick last year. Certainly has great size, activity inside for the Thunder…[and has] gained the trust of Coach Brooks.”

Hill on Westbrook’s athleticism: “How many guys can have that many surgeries and still not lose any athleticism? He might be the most athletic…certainly with Derrick Rose struggling to get back.”

Hill on Thunder center Kendrick Perkins: “He’s one of the best ball screeners in the game. A seasoned veteran that knows how to win.”

Hill on Durant: “How unfair is it when your 6’10” small forward can execute a screen and roll and find a shooter in the corner? Kevin Durant is showing he can do things in a number of ways.”

Barkley on the Rockets going 7-3 without Dwight Howard: “People talk about Steph Curry, who is probably the front runner for MVP, but James Harden is right in there. They have played very well. I really don’t see how they are doing it. It’s been all James Harden. He’s been incredible.”

Barry on guard Darren Collison: “Darren Collison has gotten off to a great start this year, more because he is a pass-first point guard. He’s complimentary to what Rudy Gay does as a ball dominant player. He’s been asked to score a lot in the absence of DeMarcus Cousins and he’s picked it up a little bit for the Sacramento Kings.”

Barry on Kings Head Coach Mike Malone developing a young team: “Mike has a very young team with a lot of new faces on the roster this year. So they have to learn his vocabulary, the way he likes to play them and the style on both ends.”

Barry on forward Carl Landry: “He’s a capable offensive player. He likes to play around the mid-post area. If you don’t have the three point shooting, you are not going to have space for guys like Carl Landry or Rudy Gay to operate around the mid-range.”

Barry on Kings center DeMarcus Cousins: “[At the beginning of the season] he was remarkable by the numbers. Everyone that has watched DeMarcus Cousins knew that wasn’t an issue. Do we know he can play? Absolutely. It was about his demeanor and approach to the season. The leadership qualities, the on the court control of his emotions, playing both ends of the floor… it was remarkable. At some point as a player you have to step up and mature.”

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Inside the NBA presented by Kia

Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith

Barkley on the Thunder: “They are going to make the Playoffs. The thing that is going to be interesting in the West is that they can all beat each other. If they are the No. 8 seed, the No. 1 seed is in for a dogfight. I have no idea who is going to win the Western Conference right now. All eight of those teams out West are better than any team in the East.”

Barkley on the probability of the Thunder advancing in the Playoffs: “They are going to be on the road for every series. They aren’t going to get higher than five. With [Russell] Westbrook and [Kevin] Durant healthy, they will have a chance against any team in the Western Conference.”

O’Neal on Rockets guard James Harden: “This dude can do it all: penetrate, shoot, shoot from long range, finish at the rim.”

Anthony on Cleveland needing more impact from their bench: “For the Cavs, it’s really about their starting five. They are not getting much of an impact [from the bench] and that’s going to have to change as this season progresses…if they really want to be a contender in the Eastern Conference.”

Fratello on Kyrie Irving: “Is there anybody in the NBA that has a better handle with the basketball than Kyrie Irving?”

Anthony: “There are some guys with great handles but he’s at the top of the list.”

Anthony on what Irving needs to do to improve his game: “As talented as Kyrie Irving is, the next level of his maturation is going to be able to use his talent to make his teammates better. That’s something he has to learn in order for this team to become championship caliber.”

Charles Barkley [during halftime] on the Knicks’ Triangle offense: “The Triangle [offense] works when you have Shaq and Kobe [Bryant] or Michael [Jordan] and Scottie [Pippen]. When you don’t have good players, it’s not going to work…this Knicks team isn’t good.”

Miller on Austin Rivers: “Sometimes he gets pigeon-holed into being a shooter. He’s at his best when he puts the ball on the floor and attacks the basket.”

Miller on Anthony Davis: “He’s made an early season bid for MVP…the way he has played, he has elevated himself to superstar status.”

Miller on Steph Curry: “He might go down as the greatest shooter this game has ever seen.”

Miller on the difference between head coach Steve Kerr’s Warriors squad this year: “Defensively, they’re pretty much the same…but Steve Kerr has really opened up the offense. They have more flow…the ball doesn’t stick as much as it did a year ago.”

Miller on if Klay Thompson is the best two-way player in the NBA: “Absolutely…for so many years, it was Kobe Bryant who would lock you down on one end and get his points on the other end. But, in my opinion, it’s [currently] Klay Thompson.”

Miller on Steph Curry’s scoring ability: “It’s so easy for him…it’s muscle memory. He’s so good at taking the ball off the dribble and scoring.”

Miller on the development of the Warriors franchise: “We talk about the development of [a franchise] is when your young players develop. Harrison Barnes, Draymond Green, Steph Curry and Klay Thompson have gotten better each year [of their career]. That’s why the Warriors franchise is in good hands moving forward.”

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Inside the NBA presented by Kia

Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal

Barkley on the Warriors needing a big man: “They are an elite team but they are a big man away. Their two best players are jump shooters…the longer the season goes, those shots aren’t going to fall every time.”

O’Neal on head coach Steve Kerr: “I like the way he’s getting his guys to respond. He’s speaking their language and they’re going out there and busting their butts for this guy. Kudos to Steve Kerr, he’s doing a great job.”

Barkley onTim Hardaway, Jr.: “He’s going to be a heck of a player. He’s a heck of a player now, but he’s only going to get better.”

Barkley on the Cavs: “They aren’t going to beat the Bulls [in the playoffs] playing lackadaisical. They have to play with passion and energy.”